Lhomwe paramount chief against culture politicisation

Lhomwe Paramount Chief Kaduya has spoken out against politicisation of cultural events, including the Mulhako wa Alhomwe.

She said this in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the installation of new Traditional Authority (T/A) Mkhumba in Phalombe last Wednesday.

She said: “Let me emphasise, politicians should focus on their politics. When they patronise events like Mulhako wa Alhomwe, let them talk about cultural issues and not politicise the functions.

“If they want to discuss politics let them organise their rallies. They shouldn’t take advantage of our spaces to bring politics. We, traditional leaders, are displeased with this.”

Kaduya’s remarks followed Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda’s appeal for cultural groups to avoid turning their celebrations into political platforms.

He said politicisation of celebrations dilutes the cultural values they are designed to promote.

“We don’t want political institutions. My humble plea not only for Mulhako wa Alhomwe but across the country, we don’t want to take our politics into our cultural traditions,” said the minister.

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has largely been accused of hijacking the Mulhako wa Alhomwe which takes place at Chonde in Mulanje.

During this year’s event, DPP leader and former President Peter Mutharika used the platform to attack government and declare his interest to contest in the 2025 Presidential Election.

In his response, DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba dismissed accusations that the party politicises Mulhako wa Alhomwe.

He said: “DPP is a political party. Mulhako wa Alhomwe is a group promoting tribal coexistence and unity. We are not aware of any accusation against our party.

“How do we politicise the event, which event? We are not aware of these accusations. For us we have friendly relations with all cultural groupings in Malawi and outside.

“Our party is a national party with members belonging to different cultural and tribal groups.”